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HfNRY ArXEN I.AINE 



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FOOT Prints 



By 

Henry Allen Laine 



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CUT RATK PRINTING CO. 

RICHMOND, KV. 
PUBLISH KKS 







HENRY ALLKN LAINE 



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SEP -3 1314 

©CI.A379377 



Pag"e 

Thirt}' Years of Peace (Decoration Da}' poem) 9 

Our President 10 

My Solution of the Race Problem 11 

On The Heig-hts 12 

Those Good Old Days i:S 

A Kentuckian's Appeal 14 

Thru a Glass Darkly 15 

Push 1() 

Booker T. Washing-ton's Visit 1() 

Saloons Must Go! 17 

My Dog- IS 

Watch Out 20 

"Watch Ye Therefore" 21 

Some Little Good 21 

Quit Yo' Foolin' ! 22 

Press to the Front 2H 

Let It Come 24 

Gwine Back 25 

Looking- Backward 28 

Light In Darkness 29 

I'm a White Man 80 

Persev^erance 31 

Stupid Bill 3H 

The Silent Voice : ,. . 3(5 

My Favorite Season 37 

The Whittling Man 38 

My Kind of Man 38 

Berea's Founder and His Work 39 

The Pessimist 43 

Dis or Worl' 44 

Shack 45 

The Deacon' s Backsliding 49 

Old Fashion Preachers 53 



Author's ^oie 

To the readers of this Uttle volume, greetings. 
I have longed for many years past to 
publish a collection of poems; but teaching 
and farming have so demanded my time, 
that I have not had the leisure to devote to 
writing, and so my material has accumu- 
lated so slowly that not until now, have I 
been enabled to put it in book form. But 
at last I send forth my little book, "Foot 
Prints," which I trust may prove a source 
of pleasure to all who are kind enough to 
read it, and be found worthy to occupy a 
place in the home of every book lover, and 
be a ray of hope to every friend of the 
Negro race, 

Humbly yours, 

«Jv€nxii Cttlen jLatnc. 
College Hill, K3'. 



^nlr0buclt0n 



In common with many of the readers of this booklet, I have 
had a long personal acquaintance with the author. 

Henry Allen Laine, the writer of these poems, is a native of 
Madison County, Kentucky, where he has always had his home. 
He is the offspring of the finest type of the Negro in the United 
States. 

Mr. Laine began his education in the rural schools of his 
native county and continued it in Berea College, located within a 
few miles of his birth place. Early in life he had the responsi- 
bility of self-support. His cultivation of his muse has been at 
such spare time and odd moments as might come to one heavily 
burdened with earning a living. These poems had their rise 
somewhere between the teacher's desk and the plow handles. 

Mr. Laine's nature is at once so genuine, sincere and noble 
that one needs only to know him to respect and love him. A 
voice of fine humor permeates his entire nature. His devotion 
and appreciation of the largest ideals of life place him in the 
circle of the best men. 

Mr. Laine, like Alexander Pope, "while yet a child, lisped 
in numbers, for the numbers came." One needs to read only a 
few of these poems to become convinced that they are the ex- 
pression of feelings and ideas, which possessed the writer. They 
are written in clean, choice and forceful English. These poems 
deal with the concerns of the daily activities of life, homely vir- 
tues, aspirations of the good and heroic, noble endeavor, achieve- 
ment, noble and worthy deeds. 

I believe that they deserve a place at the family fireside and 
wherever else the thoughts, emotions and voUtion of worthy men 
are found. It is with the hope that they will enrich our common 
hfe that I have peculiar pleasure in introducing the author — 
Henry Allen Laine — to the Public. 

Frank L. Williams. 



iLilwi.1 ■ ii'iJiJi!|i 




MRS. HENRY ALLEX LAIXE 



QI{|rrtg T|eHrs of l^tnce 

Time rapid rolls to many here, 

It seems but yesterday, 
Since horrid war's grim crash and roar 

The very mountains sway — 
When sunny South with scattered wreck 

Was strewn from shore to shore, 
And blackened chimneys marked the sites 

Where cities stood before. 

When Negro slaves (by Christian men) 

Were landed on our shore. 
Peace fled and base contentions rose. 

Increasing more and more, — 
Like subterranian fires, that 

For years unheed burn, 
When suddenly in wrath burst forth 

And mountains overturn! 

So the fierce fires of smothered hate 

Grew more and more intense, 
Until the South rose up in arms 

To fight for the defense. 
Of that the greatest of all sins. 

The sale of blood and tears; 
Their failure freed the Southern slaves 

And answered prayers of years. 
God bless our heroes all today! 

Who through Death's valley rode. 
And on the flaming battle field 

Their love of country showed. 
Who bade farewell to home and friends 

To rescue Uncle Sam, 
When Lincoln called they answered back 

"Ay, Father Abraham!" 

From every mountain hill and dale, 

In eager haste they pour. 
And many a fireside plunged in gloom, 

Was brightened nevermore. 
All honor heroes great and small 

9 



Who bravely wore the blue! 
Our country's peace, and strength, and hope, 

We owe it all to you! 
As time rolls on and I look back 

And see what has been done, 
In thirty years to reunite 

And make our people one. 
My heart in gratitude ^oes out, 

As I look 'round and see. 
Where once the vilest hatred reigned, 

Now peace and harmony. 

All honor to our unknown dead 

Who fell amid the fray, — 
Whose bodies lie beneath some plain, 

Or hillside far away. 
On bloody fields they face no more 

The blazing cannon's mouth, 
But from their ranks celestial watch, 

The progress of the South. 
O'er forty-five progressive states 

These honored colors wave, 
The North and South united firm, 

And not a single slave! 
The slaver's whip, the clanking chain 

Have long since passed away, 
And white or black no matter now 

A man's a man today! 



He's a modest man with world-wide fame. 
And every school-boy knows the name, 
Of Teddy Roosevelt. 

He comes from Holland's sturdy, 
A worker, thinker, firm as a rock! 
Courteous, able, brilhant, plain. 
With a level head chuck full o' brain. 
The matchless Roosevelt! 

10 



Well born, and reared in Luxuries' lap, 
He scorned a Rip Van Winkle's nap; 
But equally ready with sword or pen, 
Soon took front with the world's great men, 
Intrepit Roosevelt! 

He honors men for their personal worth. 
Nor cares hs ought for color or birth! 
The plainest citizen gets the same 
Attention kind, as the man of fame, 
From courteous Roosevelt! 

All honor give to the prince of men! 
The statesman, scholar, citizen! 
Hero of hillside, plain, and glen, 
The writing man, the fighting man, 
Theodore Roosevelt! 



e 



^ointion ci t\\t ^\ace problem 

Here of late, about the Negro, 

There's a great deal being said, 
By our so-called "Negro leaders," 

Many of whom need to be led! 
Here's the plan I would adopt. 

And success would surely follow. 
So much talking I would stop — 

Educate and save the dollar! 

Trust no longer party ties, 

Think no more of emigration; 
Trust yourself if you would rise, 

God, and wealth, and education. 
Train your head, your heart and hand; 

Hoped-for times will surely follow; 
These three things complete the man: 

Love, refinement and the dollar. 

Idleness shun, with rum and strife. 

Live for things that bring men glory; 
Show the world a man's a man 

Proving true the old, old story! 
Then race-hate will pass away; 

Poverty and mob-law '11 follow; 
For the world respects the man 

With refinement and the dollar! 

11 



Dedicated to Hon. John Mitchell. 
'Tis grand to stand on some tall cliff, 
That looms above the wreck-strewn shore, 
And feel secure from angry waves, 
That dawn beneath you foam and roar; 
But it is grander, still, to stand, 
Upon some sunlit peak of Truth, 
Along Life's bleak and rugged coast. 
Strewn round with wrecks of ill-spent youth. 

To take a stand on such high ground. 

Is the great privilege of all; 

Up where Life's gentlest breezes blow. 

And soltest dews of heaven fall. 

Why stay below amid Life's fogs, 

Where fleeting clouds their shadows race? 

Up yonder on the sun-ht heights, 

Is ideal Manhood's proper place. 



12 



©Ijose €ooh (§\h Jags 

That good old day has almost passed, 

When any honest man, 
With brains, could rise from poverty, 

And lead our nation's van; 
That good old day is almost passed 

No more to come again. 
When those who climb to honor's heights, 

Were plain Log-cabin men. 

That good old day has passed away 

When politics were free 
From "rings" and bosses just in it 

"For revenue only," 
When offices ol public trust, 

Could not be bought and sold; 
And brains, and push, and honesty, 

Could wield more power than gold! 

That grand old day has passed away — 

If one for office ran, 
A record loyal, brave, and true 

Must show or change his plan. 
Convention halls with police packed. 

Were not in those days seen, 
To help some self-appointed "boss," 

Control his base machine. 

We would not have that old day back 

With its grand and chivalrous men: 
We do want back that sentiment. 

That ruled our country then; 
When officers of public trust 

Could not be bought and sold, 
And brains, and push, and honesty 

Could wield more power than gold! 



13 



On history's page an honored place 

You hold beloved Kentucky, 
Shall mob-rule blot it with disgrace, 

Kentucky, Kentucky? 
The good with shame astonished stands, 

While bold law-breakers form in bands. 
To raise against thee bloody hands, 

In treason Kentucky! 
Thou art the garden spot of earth 

Kentucky, great Kentucky. 
And we, permitted to be born 

On thy good soil are lucky. 
Dame Nature Bluegrass carpets spread 

Where feet of the lovliest women tread; 
'Tis here she rears the thoroghbred, 

Both man and beast, Kentucky. 

But Where's thy patriot spirit brave, 

Kentucky, Kentucky? 
Gone? Hast thou become a slave 

To lawless men Kentuc ky? 
Shall the home of LincolVi, Marshall, Clay, 

Its blood bought glory cast away, 
Thy valor won in a darker day, 

Kentucky, Kentucky? 

To spare the rod will ruin the child, 

Kentucky, Kentucky 
You've dealt with mob-law far too mild. 

In years gone by Kentucky! 
Too long thy coroner's verdict's read: 

"Death caused by unknown hands," has spread, 
Contempt for law. Anarchists dread 

Thy courts no more Kentucky! 

If thou wouldst rise up in thy might, 

Kentucky great Kentucky, 
And punish criminals, black or white, 

By honest law Kentucky, 
Then capital with longing eye, 

Distrusting thee now passing by, 
Would soon return and lift on high 

Its banner bright Kentucky! 

14 



I. Cor. XIII: 12 

I sat at my window, looking down, 
On a crowded street of a busy town, 
At the ceaseless crowds as, they come and go. 
Like the restless tides as they ebb and flow, 
And I thought of Life and its mystery: 
"Could I hft the vail that now hides from me 
The great beyond ah, then I'd see 
Life's mystery and meaning." 

"I'd see why one life glows like the beams, 
Of an evening star. While another seems. 
But a flickering mote, shedding scarce a ray. 
To gleam across Life's stormy way. 
Why the good man dies oft, in manhood's prime, 
Why the bad, oft lives, far beyond the time 
Granted hoary Age. But Fate hides from me, 
Life's mystery and meaning!" 

"I'd see why a man at a certain time. 
Of a certain race, of a certain clime. 
For a certain purpose seeming born. 
And in spite of envy, prejudice, scorn. 
Will crowd up to Honors heights while he 
Of boasted superiority, the form and face 
Some mightier race. 
Can scarcely secure the lowest place!" 

"Why a man in life the good or great. 
At him hurls Envy her darts of hate. 
But soon as his head is beneath the sod, 
He's praised as a hero and a god! 
How many souls are lingering here. 
For whom no smile, nor word of cheer? 
But scarce the flickering life is gone, 
Deceit feigns grief with mourning on!" 

"Ah, the time will come, when all shall know. 
Hidden "whys" of things that now puzzle so. 
At the golden eve, when we've done our best. 
And we weary feel and sink down to rest, 
Free from all vexing cares below, 
And we wake beyond, ah, then we'll know, 
Life's mystery and meaning." 

15 



fuel]! 



Don't fret and whimper your life away. 

And growl about no chance, 
For the poor man to edge through the frenzied crowd, 

Or up in the world advance. 
Tho' the fight grows hot for power and place, 

Just join in the maddening rush 
Keep a level head, and open eye, 

And, — Push! 

The world may try hard, to crowd you back, 

And elbow you out of the race; 
But press right on, keep your temper and smile, 

With your eye on a higher place, 
Be firm, and true, and honest through. 

Don't beat about the bush. 
Be frank, and fair; treat all men square. 

And, — Push! 

Oh! don't, over small things, worry and fret, 

Aud hasten your health's dechne. 
You'll soon, at best, be laid to rest. 

Under the drooping pine! 
For the old folk's sake, learn a warm hand-shake. 

Win lass' and lad's best wish. 
Have faith in God, in Man, in self, 

And, push! 



The "Sage of Tuskegee" has come 

As a guest in the 'Old Kentucky Home,' 

We're really glad that he found the time, 
To come up here and see. 

That it's really true Kentucky leads, 
In hospitality. 

Of course we all feel very glad. 
That a really good time Booker had. 

But what would the pious preacher say 
When he hears what Booker has done. 



That he two-stepped gay with the fairest dames 

Of social Lexington? 
But who can blame him? Wouldn't you 

Two step with such fair women too? 
Such beauty and such music sweet, 

Would make a preacher cross his feet, 
I'm glad that the sage and statesman had 

Here such a chance to see, 
How good white folk and good black folk 

Got on in harmony. 

There scarcely ever comes a jar. 
Their friendly intercourse to mar, 

And isn't that what he's fighting for 
Down there at Tuskegee, 

To lead both up to a higher plane 
Of mutual sympathy? 

Ah! color does not make the man, 

But brains, and grit and honor can! 
But wasn't that an inspiring sight. 

On Saturday at the Fair? 
Twenty thousand of Kentucky's best, 

All cheering Booker there! 
Say, come again, good doctor, do 

Kentucky's deep in love with you! 
Her latch string always hangs outside. 

Her table is always spread; 
Her horses are fast, her women fair, 

And her wine is rich and red. 



Fate has decreed that rum shall go, 
In spite of what the scoffers say. 
That evil which the world so dreads. 
The world opposes it to-day, 
With warmer ardor, stronger blows, 
Which very plainly goes to show. 
The people are determined that 
Saloons Must Go! 

17 



What good are they that should stay, 
To tempt, to poison, kill, corrupt? 
There's naught that scatters misery. 
Half like the dramshop's poison cup. 
The homes where glowed once light and joy. 
All gloomy now, with want and woe, 
Should rouse the pity of mankind. 
And demon Drink be made to go. 

How sad to stand with mourners round, 
A drunkard's grave, so soon forgot. 
And hear the thunder of the clods. 
Fall on the coffin of a sot! 
Ah will the nations never wake, 
But sleep like Samson strong of old. 
Shorn of their strength by alcohol, 
Led captive blind, by lust of gold? 

The money that the Negroes spend 
For cursed drink, why don't you know, 
'Twould dot this country o'er with homes. 
To shelter them from rain and snow? 
Our clergymen they thunder loud. 
At thread-bare evils stale and old. 
But lightly pass this evil by. 
That kills the race thru love of gold! 

The prayers of millions that ascend. 
From heart's all broken and in pain, 
Bereaved and torn by alcohol, 
Are heard of God, and not in vain. 
Fling out the banner to the breeze. 
That he who runs may read and know. 
That for our sons' and daughters' sakes 
Saloons Must Go! 



He's a noble fellow that he is, 
With his glossy coat. Those eyes of his 
Light up and glow some times like he 
Possesssd a living soul like me, 

18 



And were I asked to now point out 
My favorite playmate, there's no doubt 
I could decide it very quick 
By calling frisky little Crick 
My dog! 

Oh he's so jolly and so small 
He could not get my rubber ball 
In his small mouth. Tho he can bark 
And frighten "boogers" in the dark! 
Why he'd just take right after them 
If I'd say "sick em" Little Lem 
Our neighbor's boy just yells, "hello!" 
And climbs the fence, he's frightened so 
At my dog! 

But Crick just barks at Lem for fun. 
If he'd say "boo!" how Crick would run! 
'Cause Cricket's just as 'fraid of Lem, 
You bet your life, as Lem is him! 
He growls at Lem and makes a face 
As if he said, "Get off our place!" 
Until I call him. "Come now. Crick" 
And he, well trained, obeys me quick, 
My watchful little dog. 

My uncle gave my dog to me 

When he was just a puppy wee. 

I've taught him many a funny trick 

He's awful smart and learns so quick, 

He beats a heap of boys who go 

To our school house and never know 

Their lessons when they're called on. He 

Can sit as nice as you or me 

On his small haunches in a chair 

Oft eyeing me with modest air. 

I never scold, or beat or tease, 
My dog, but always try to please, 
And make him happy just as he 
Brings joy and happiness to me. 
There's nothing in this big world wide 
Which I enjoy I won't divide 
With noble Crick so fond and true 
My kindest thoughts go out to you 
My dog. 

1* 



atcl] (§nt 



There's a thing or two I notice, 

As I knock around abit, 
Some bad habits of my people, 

E'er they prosper they must quit. 
What e'er hinders race-advancement, 

Let us challenge, let us rout! 
Or we'll never make a nation. 

If we don't watch out! 

All the summer they are going 

To the picnics, and the show. 
To the fair, and "big camp meetin' " 

'Tis the fashion "don't cher know." 
Winter's coming like an army, 

He will storm your weak redoubt. 
And he'll catch somebody napping, 

If you don't watch out! 

See them moving to the cities. 

That are over-crowded now. 
With a class that follows loafing, 

When it ought to be the plow! 
Dens licentious, dives of danger. 

For the idle lurk no doubt. 
That too oft they fall as victims 

If they don't watch out! 

One great need now, is true leaders. 

If our teachers and D. D's 
Are corrupt the people will be. 

So long as they follow these. 
Let's have men for our race-leaders. 

Sober, honest, and devout. 
Or our doom is sealed forever, 

If we don't watch out! 



20 



"Platcl} f e m]txtiott"-(iih/tst 

How has your life been spent young man, 
Has it been for the good and true? 

Have you battled for right with all your might, 
And done what you could do, 

To make this world a better place. 
To live in for the coming race? 

Ah, better than gold is a good name 

Said the wise old sage of old, 
Don't meddle with strife, Uve an upright life. 
It is better than silver or gold! 
Get wisdom as life's strong defense, 

The beginning of which is common sense! 

Be careful! Life's a dangerous road 

Uncertain, rough, and steep. 
Your moral tone is always known, 
By the company you keep. 

Let looks and actions always be 
From any ill suspicion free! 

How short is life! Time flies so swift. 

That e'er we are aware. 
Our forms are bent, youth's vigor spent, 

And frost is on our hair! 
Then let us all improve life well, 

For how soon ended who can tell? 



^amt ^ittle (§otfh 

I did some good today. 

Unconsciously, the while. 
When I mixed some wit in a pleasant talk, 
As a friend and I took a quiet walk. 

And it brought to his lips a smile. 

What ever makes one smile, ^ 

Lifts from his mind a load; 
And it makes his journey smoother still, 

Tho' rough the path, and steep the hill, 
Along life's rugged road. 

21 



I did some good today, 
When I shook a stranger's hand. 

It made him feel that he had one friend 
In the world whose courtesy did extend 

To a stranger through the land. 

I did some good today, 

To a beggar at my door, 
Who only asked for a crust of bread, 

For he had neither home nor friends, he said, 
And he thanked me o'er and o'er. 

So, may I always be, 
From selfish motives free. 

Determined to do what e'er I can 
To lighten the load of my fellow-man, 

Through kind fraternity. 



Yes heah yo' come mos' out o' breaf, 

Yo' bettah quit yo' foolin'! 
Done almos' played yo'se'f to deaf, 

Yo' bettah quit yo' foolin'! 
See dem pants now, an' dat shirt! 

Clean dis morn'n, now wid dirt 
Done kivered, Boy gwine to whoop yo' fer 't 

Yo' bettah quit yo' foolin'! 

Heah I's bin needin' yo' all day! 

Yo' bettah quit yo' foolin'. 
Didn't yo' heah me callin' say? 

Yo' bettah quit yo' foolin' 
I'm feared yo'll nevah do no good, 

Yo' lazy t'ing! go tote some wood! 
I'd be some er count now, sho I would 

Yo' bettah quit yo' foolin'! 
What's dat in dem pockets dar? — 

Yo' bettah quit yo' foolin'. 
Mo' dem green apples? I declar' 

Ef yo' doan quit you' foolin' 
I'll kill yo'! Got bof pockets full! 

Didn't I tol' yo' not ter pull 
No mo'? Fs gwine ter com' yo' wool 

Ef yo' doan quit yo' foolin'! 

32 



Press ®0 ®l|c Jjrcnt 

How grand to be filled with the doble ambition, 
An equal among our great heroes to stand, 
And step in the tracks which scholars and sages 
Have left as they passed over time's golden sand. 
Doctors of Law, great jurists and statesmen, 
And scholars still sounding in science's deep sea. 
Teach us that by patience and earnest endeavor. 
And brave self-denial what we too. may be. 

The young man unthinking, who breaks off his studies, 
Thinking completion will take him too long, 
And rushes out into the world's great arena 
And thinks to win fame by a speech or a song, 
Will very soon find that the world has no pity, 
And in disappointment his folly he'll rue. 
And find to his sorrow that fame's fleeting bubble, 
Is sought by many but won by few. 

Just see how we grow! So long isolated! 

No longer hemmed in by America's rim, 

"Uncle Sam" can now boast hke his old British crony, 

The sun can no longer go down upon him! 

In our "New Possessions" there must be erected. 

Great cities and railways; rich land to be tilled; 

And schedules of commerce to lay the foundation. 

Of that mighty eastern republic we build! 

All hail! to the dawning of that great tomorrow. 
Whose rapid approach on the swift wings of time. 
Hastens the "New Day," whose radiance and splendor. 
Shall witness achievements of grandeur sublime! 
And when that day dawns perhaps the millennium. 
For which Christian people have hoped for and prayed. 
Shall come and restore us to that blest condition. 
Of peace and contentment from from which we have strayed! 



23 



^rf ^t (Eoxwt 



Whether sunshine, whether rain, 

Let it come! 
Whether sorrow, whether pain, 

Let it come! 
If by Fate you're stricken, try 
Not to worry, fret and sigh, 
Sorrow's oft a blessing, why 

Let it come! 

When Earth's ills fall thick and fast 

Let them come! 
And fierce blows life's tempest blast 

Let it come! 
Trials only make us strong, 
Nerve us to withstand the wrong; 
Be it si^h or tear or song 

Let it come! 

Troubles come oft hard to bear, 

Let them, come! 
Each and all must bear a share, 

Let them come! 
God the father in his might, 
Often works beyond our sight. 
What he does is always right, 

Let it come! 



14 



Cifome ^^tck 



Twas a southern railway station, 

On a balmy autumn day, 
And a bustling crowd was waiting — 

Stern, and thoughtful, giddy, gay, 
For the train. The hum of voices, 

Like the murmur of the sea, 
Rose above the drowsy humming. 

Of the town's activity. 

Shambling slow, an aged Negro 

Tottered, leaning on his cane. 
Four-score years had bowed him hoary. 

Filled his trembling joints with pain. 
Faded tied, a red bandanna 

At his tattered elbow hung, 
Keepsakes, gifts, and family trinkets, 

In it saved since he was young. 

Oft he paused, and searched each pocket. 

While his aged troubled face, 
Worldless told a tale pathetic, 

Little heeded at the place. 
Soon a gentleman, a planter 

Of refinement, wealth and pride. 
Deeply touched, a fellow felling 

Drew him to the old man's side. 

What's the trouble Uncle? May be 

I could help you if I knew, 
"I can't go — somebody's robbed me 

Purse am gone and money too!" 
"Lost your money? Where'd you started?" 

Back ter ol' Kentucky whar 
De ol 'oman an' de chil'n. 

Side by side are buried dar! 

I could fin' dey graves dis morn'n, 

Under dat big elm tree. 
On de knoll behin' de orchard, 

An' a place wus lef foh me! 
Aint bin dar since Mars Jeems sol' me, 

Got behin' an' couldn't pay, 

25 



Las' I saw dem all dey's cryin 
Forty yeahs ago terday!" 

"Boss, I'se gettin' ol' an' lonesome, 

An' jes' felt I'd like to go, 
To de ol' home in Kentucky, 

An' jes' see de place once mo'! 
Set once mo' on de ol' stile blocks; 

Drink once mo' f om de ol' spring; 
Stretch beneaf de ol' black wa'nut, 

Whar I hung de family swing!" 

Take a stroll down fru de orchard, 

Whar de beetles and de bees. 
Used ter hoi' dey ebennin' concerts, 

'Mong de bloomin' apple trees! 
Dars de loveliest parks, an' gyard'ns, 

Orchards, meadows, farming ground, 
Grandes' house, and proudes' owners, 

Found in all dat country roundl" 

"Boss, I aint got long to stay here. 

Case, I'se gwine down de hill. 
Ef I fails to make dis journey. 

Mighty feard I nebber will. 
I had twenty silver dollars, 

Saved up little at a time. 
Sometimes I'd lay by a nickle. 

Den again, sometimes a dime." 

"An' now after all mah saben. 

Up fah twenty yeahs or mo', 
Saben purpose fah dis journey, 

I'se done robbsd 'n' now can't go!" 
"Move on nigger, with your plunder. 

Or I'll pull you! move along!" 
Roared a blue-coat with his billet. 

Striding through the waiting throng. 

"Stand back sir!" the planter thundered, 
"Wait until there's need for you!" 

To the self-important copper 

Who crest fallen straight withdrew. 

2« 



Then the planter drew his wallet: 
"Let's all help this poor old man, 

Back to where his dead are buried. 
Each one give just what you can." 

In his hat he dropped a dollar, 

Then quick passed it down the line, 
Dollars dropping on his dollar. 

Till beside his, thirty-nine. 
"Forty dollars, uncle, for you" — 

Then the old man to the ground, 
Knelt amid the throng encircled, 

Tears of joy were streaming down: 

"0 in thee, a strong believer. 

All my days Lo'd, I hab been! 
Thou in pity always looking, 

Down on needy, helpless men! 
Thou dis day my faif hab strengthened, 

I will neber doubt no mo'. 
Help me love, and serve yo' better. 

Let mah light shine whar I go!" 

"Bless dese white folks and dey neighbors. 

Lead and guide dem whar dey go: 
May dey lamps be trimmed and burning, 

When dat silver trump shall blow! 
Th'u your mercy and dey money, 

'Spects to see my home again; 
On dem and dey seed forebber, 

Let thy blessings rest, amen!" 
With uncovered heads, and silent. 

Stood the crowd, that sympathy, 
Which lies dormant in each bosom, 

Started tears in every eye. 
But the silence soon was broken 

By the coming of the train. 
Each, to Ms thoughts returning, 

Thundered on his way again! 

"Thundered on" much wiser, better. 
Through each heart the feeling ran 

That to scatter human kindness. 
Is the noblest work of man. 

27 



When Hybenal winds are blowing, 

Gloomy snow-clouds from the poles, 
And old Hayseed, with a shudder, 

Draws up closer round the coals. 
When they, howling, drive before them 

Dreary waves of misty rain, 
Starting tiny, icy streamlets. 

Trickling down my window pane. 
Then I like to sit and ponder 

And my mental vision cast, 
Backward o'er life's downing chapters 

And its pictures of the past. 

Childhood days! Their joys and sorrows; 

Youth so hopeful, happy, vain, 
Gallant as a knight in armor 

Charging o'er some bloody plain! 
Victories won 'mid classroom plaudits, 

Urging effort on anew. 
Championships of games athletic. 

All these rise to mental view. 

Oh how these dear recollections 
Dearer grown by riper years. 

Crowd those youthful scenes before me 
Looking backward through the tears. 

What high hopes and faith unbounding, 

Never doubting but a name, 
Would be writ among immortals 

In some sacred hall of fame. 
Time rolls on and age advances, 

And youth's towering castles fall, 
Medeocrity is written 

In Fame's gilded silent hall! 

0, fond Hope, urge thou onward. 

With that vim which at the start. 
Filled me with that noble purpose 

Ever to act well my part! 
May the love of right and duty 

Nerve me for the coming fray. 
Conscious of God's approbation, 

"Well done" — in a coming day! 

28 



There's a goud time surely coming, 

Coming tho' it may be late. 
I can see its light advancing, 

Just a little longer wait! 
That vexatious Negro problem 

Can be solved, and it will be; 
They've the key to its solution, 

Down at Sunny Tuskegee! 

Tuskegee sends out this message 

Through the Southland wide and far: 
"Why seek homes in Africa's jungles? 

Stay in Dixie where you are! 
"Educate and save the dollar," , 

If you would a nation be 
Win white friends both North and South, 

And "learn a trade," says Tuskegee. 
Washington, the Negro Moses, 

Proves that Armstrong was no fool, 
When he chose that bright young Negro, 

An industrial training school, 
To build up, to train his people. 

Sons and daughters, husband, wife. 
How to best discharge each duty, 

In the varied walks of life! 

Learn a trade! The high professions. 

They are crowded. A demand, 
Now is made, regardless color. 

For the skilled mechanic's hand. 
The best trained will win the battle. 

Be the color what it will; 
Color must give place to merit 

What the world now wants is skill! 

Learn a trade! That in life's battle. 

We may march as warriors bold. 
Taking every calling captive 

And as trophies, honest gold! 
Fortified with skill and manhood, 

Color shall no barrier be. 
Lo! The hand of Ethiopia 

Stretches forth at Tuskegee! 

29 



An honest Negro, hurrying along, 
His contented heart was full of song. 
He wished nobody any ill, 
But cherished for all a kind "good will." 
He met a white man, in whose eye, 
Lurked the demon Hate, said he, passing by, 
"I like a nigger in his place;" 
(In the maudling tongue of a "tight" man.) 
"I'm agin 'im when tries to act 
Like a White Man." 

To the worthy man, all honor is due, 
Be he white or black, if his heart is true. 
In the grades of life, honest men prefer. 
That the measure of worth shall be character. 
All men are equal in God's sight. 
The yellow, the red, brown, black, and white. 
I pity the man with so narrow soul, 
Who tho he has failed in life, can 
Still glory in that thread-bare boast: 
"I'm a White Man!" 

Ah, where shall the honest Negro flee, 
To escape man's inhumanity, 
While driven, and scourged by the cruel rod. 
Of the Anglo-Saxon color god? 
In courts of justice, in marts of trade, 
In business concerns of every grade. 
In public places every where, 
That same humbug grins hideous there: 
"I'm a White Man!" 

But its coming yet! Yes a better day. 
When the false by the true, shall be swept away. 
When the standard of justice is lifted high. 
Yea, the standard the world shall be measured by. 
In the clearer view of enlightened man. 
When he falls in Une with his Maker's plan. 
If I, then, measure in heart and mind. 
To manhood's, stature I'm the right man. 
Altho my skin be as black as ink, 
I'm a vVhite Man! 

30 



P^rs^&crctnrc 



Streamed golden rays from a cloudless sky, 

While gentle zephyrs floated by, 

When the curious crowds from Palos, Spain, 

Stood crowding the wharf of the trackless main. 

To bid God-speed to the seamen brave, 

Who dared to cross the unknown wave, 

Of broad Atlantic's heaving breast, 

In search of lands in the unknown west. 

With a firm belief that the Earth was round. 

While critics declared his mind unsound, 

By works Columbus proved his faith. 

His order was: 'sail on!" 

Each sailor stepping to his place, 

With a smile of adventure on each face, 

As Columbus waved adieu his hand, 

To the cheering crowd on the sunny strand. 

The ships glide slowly from the land. 

Each graceful as a swan! 

On, on they sail. The landscape grew. 

More indistinct. At last from view, 

Rocks, hills, and mountains fade. Men who. 

Knew naught of fear before. 

Were seized with terror, wild and strange, — 

"What if this wind should never change? 

Blow Westward evermore!" 

Then horrid monsters from the sea, 

Rose up in feverish fantacy. 

And torture them to mutiny! 

The sluggish waters thicker grew, 

The compass pointed no longer true, 

Hope now seemed all but gone! 

Imploring their commander they. 

Beg to return. He answers nay. 

Some storm and swear while others pray, — 

His order still: "sail on!" 

From the path of duty he did not swerve, 

By kindness, tact, and steady nerve, 

31 



He held each sailor to his place. 
While to the west still kept his face! 
At last the booming signal gun, 
Announces land. And every one 
Runs to the deck! And the scene! 
The landscape clothed in living green, 
Where birds in brilliant plumage sing, 
Rejoicing in eternal spring! 

Thus with a noble end in view, 

With faith and courage to carry it through, 

Columbus the course of the blazing sun, 

Still followed on till the prize he won! 

Nor faltered, nor doubted till his flag unfurled, 

Mid the splendid scenes of the great New World! 

thou! Embarked on Life's broad sea! 

For the part of unknown destiny. 

Learn from this story briefly told. 

Of the Spanish Admiral of old: 

He who would win must persevere, 

Cast off thy doubt! Discard thy fear! 

'Tis the day of deeds! The man of vim. 

Truth, faith, and industry on him 

Good fortune smiles. But the sluggard who 

Depends on chance to pull him through, 

Ne'er gains the topmost rung of fame. 

Nor among Earth's greatest enrolls his name! 

Sail on, man from Life's barren shore! 
"Sail on," the muttering thunders roar; 
"Sail on," tho' angry billows roll, 
And terror strike to the timid soul! 
Place that Good Pilot at the wheel; 
He knows thy bark from mast to keel! 
He'll guide thee o'er hidden rock. 
And keep thee safe mid storm and shock! 

Stand fast, and show thyself a man! 
Upright, with courage, power, and skill, 
Above thy head hangs honor's crown, 
Thou canst obtain it if you will! 

32 



^tupih mi 



Two High School lads were Tommy and Bill, 

'Twas many years ago, 
Now Tommy was smart and very quick, 

While Bill was dull and slow. 
At marbles, leap-frog, tag, and ball 

Smart Tommy led the way; 
In class he got the teacher's praise, 

As well as "ten" each day. 

But Bill, he didn't like to play; 

He didn't like the noise; 
He liked to stand off by himself, 

And watch the other boys. 
He knew he couldn't make a "ten," 

And didn't care, because 
He was scolded when he tried and failed, 

While others got applause. 

The High School Seniors— Bill was one — 

Declared it was a shame. 
To have their class history 

Marred by a dullard's name. 
So they got up a class protest. 

In language frank and plain: 
"You must try to raise your record. Bill, 

If you hope to still remain 
In the Senior Class' fellowship, 

And on commencement day. 
Receive your "sheepskin" with the rest 

And have a speech to say. 

'The eyes of the world are on us. Bill, 

The same world we must face, 
When we go out from the High School Bill, 

To join in the maddening race, 
-For wealth, and fame, and honor, Bill, 

And all that life holds dear; 
And our success Bill, much depends, 

Upon our record here" 

33 



We've each mapped out our course in life. 

And we all hate to see, 
You marked as one of the failures, Bill, 

When you could also be 
One of our High School 'Honor Men' 

Like Tom.my and the rest 
Come, save your credit; be a man; 

Let's march to fame abreast!" 

Then each went on in strict detail 

And outlined his career; 
Twas plain that all but Bill would be 

The great and brilliant peer, 
Of any of those master minds 

That made our country great 
In war, in commerce, science, art. 

And great affairs state 

From Henry Clay and Webster down! 

Tom said he would consent. 
Urged by the people and the "press 

To run for President. 
Jack said he'd be ambassador, 

Our country represent. 
At that grand court of great St. James, 

Tom said he'd give consent! 

Fred said he'd build a railv/ay line, 

To reach from pole to pole; 
And Senator Joe would urge a law 

Eor "Federal Control!" 
Then all eyes turned at once on Bill — 

"Say, Bill what will you be 
When you go out in the big, wide world 

From the class of eighty three?' " 

Humped over writing with his toe 

On a dusty spot of ground 
Bill slowly spoke, in a deep, clear tone. 

As he heaped a dusty mound — 
"Boys, I can't learn as fast as some, 

I's alius sort o' slow, 
:{4 



But then there's got to be one drone 
In every hive, you know! 

"I've got a job as water boy 

Down at the factory. 
I know I'm dull, but some day yet, 

I'll make you proud of me!" 
Derisive laughter greeted this 

As each boy turned to go: 
Each satisfied in his own mind 

For Bill there was no show 

A score of rapid years rrlled on 

And the class of eighty-three. 
Save one have failed to rise above 

Life's mediocrity! 
But who's that one who scaled the heights? 

You know that dullard Bill, 
Who had no grasp of abstract truth, 

But a boy of iron will, 

Who got a job as water boy 

Down at the factory? Then, 
That same Bill owns the whole "she-bang" 

Employs a thousand men! 
To Tommy, and Jack, and Foed, and Joe. 

Bill "Mister William" now; 
At his office door, with hats in hand, 

They practice how to bow! 

Don't scold a boy because he's dull — 

No telling, it may be, 
Locked in his mind some genius sleeps, 

And perhaps you have the key! 
The world is full of Tommies smart. 

But not one Tommy in ten, 
Ever brings to pass those prophesies 

Made back in children when. 
Dressed in his "Friday evening" clothes. 

He made his speech and bow. 
Folks said he'd sure be President, 

But they know better now! 

35 



But the "Stupid Bill" whom every one thought, 

In the race of life would fail, 
And the winding steps leading up to fame, 

No one ever thought he'd scale. 
But be reached its summit, plodding slow 

And on its record white, 
Enrolled his name with the faithful few. 

Indelible, and bright. 



®I]c ^iltnt 33otce 

Did you ever rise at the break of day, 
When every thing was still, 

And never a sound from landscape round, 
Save the sound of the murmuring rill, 

And lift your prayful thoughts to God, 
In homage, love, and praise. 

For his kind hand that's leading you, 
Thru shadows and bright days? 

Did you ever pause in your daily work. 
When a silent, strange command, 

Arrested your thoughts, and your footstepts too, 
And silently bade you stand. 

And review such blessings one by one. 
As the Lord has granted you. 

And then and there, breathe out a prayer, 
For dangers He's led you thru? 

And maybe some friend at your side 
Still wonders to this day. 

Why you stood still, like Baalam's beast, 
When an angel barred the wav. 

Nor does he know that what he thought 
Was an absent-minded whim. 

Was your awakened soul's desire 
To render praise to Him. 

Did you ever feel that way, my friend, 
Did you ever feel that way? 

Tho you felt allright, with a prospect bright. 
Still you feel inclined to pray? 

'Tis but God's omnipresent voice, 
That's gently calling you, 

To never forget. He leading yet. 
In ways that are right and true. 

3t) 



You may have all the joys of Spring-time, 

With its pleasant sun and dew. 
When the wintry fogs and storms depart, 

And the sun smiles thru the blue. 
When verdure springs from the warming earth 

And hark! on every hand 
Sweet music swells from the flowers and trees; 

And gladdens all the land. 

You may have all the joys of Summer; 

From toil and study free, 
To smihng fields and shady groves. 

Fair Pleasure beckons me. 
Content I walk thru the smiling fields 

Where herds contented graze. 
Each blade of grass is an orator. 

That speaks Fair Summer's praise. 

You may have all the joys of Winter, 

With its jolly holidays. 
Its coasting parties, skating crowds, 

Its jingling merry sleighs. 
When Santa Claus on the Xmas tree. 

Hangs happiness for all; 
And laughter from young happy hearts 

Rings merrily thru the hall. 

Take all these joys and welcome. 

But give me the Autumn days. 
When the gentle sun shoots down aslant. 

His golden, mellow rays. 
When the lazy breezes sink to rest. 

And up to the clear, blue skies, 
The shimmering heat from the meadows round, 

Like holy incense rise. 

In the Autumn days, when Plenty reigns, 

How the merry farmer sings. 
As loads of golden fruits and grains, 

To his crowded barn he brings. 
'Tis then that the soul looks up to God, 

In thankfulness and praise, 
For Ufe and health and bounteous store, — 

Yea, give me the Autumn days. 

37 



©he Pbittltng ^hn 



He has come again! yea the "Whittling Man." 

Did you ever see him, ever scan 

His sage-like features? Ever see 

This guy of the twentieth century? 

If you never did, then mark him well. 

As I of his looks, and his doings tell: 

Long, lanky, and lean, with bristling hair 
With a swaggering gait, and a knowing air, 
While 'round his mouth there plays a grin, 
With tobacco juice running down his chin. 
Guess you think Solomon wise, but what 
King Solomon knew, this guy's forget! 

He knows how the government should be run; 
How the country's business should be done; 
Talks church and school and their power for good, 
The social scale and the Brotherhood, 
Trusts, Wall-street, Capital, Labor, Strikes, 
Are a few of the subjects he most Ukes. 

Cross-legged, seated before the door. 

Of the crowded front of the grocery store, 

Shoves back his hat, draws his pocket knife 

And talks, and whittles, as if his life. 

Depended less on what he said. 

Than the kind of whittlings that he made! 

Just watch him on some election year. 

Just watch then pretty soon you'll hear. 

What "I'd a done, if I'd a been, 

In the place of them thar leadin' men!" 

In every cause he leads the van, 

This sage and statesman. Whittling Man! 



The kind of man for me is one. 
Who seeks no praise for what he's done. 
Who labors not for man's applause. 
But gets his share of praise because, 



With an honest heart for right strives he, 
And that's the kind of man for me. 

Tho' highly honored, he does not scorn, 

The honest rags of the lowly born 

Good cheer and hope to all he brings; 

For he looks at the sunny side of things; 

His manly heart is as light and free, 

As the morning breeze. He's the man for me. 

He knows a smile and warm handshake, 
Ott from a stone a heart will make, 
From which kind words drive out despair, 
And plant an honest purpose there. 
He looks for the good in men and he. 
Is the kind of a man I de«light to see. 



In every age there rises up a man. 
God-fearing, firm, embodyment of truth. 
Called, not his will, but God's alone to do. 
Like ancient Samuel, summoned in his youth. 
Howe'er corrupt the world may seem to grow, 
Or swallowed up the hearts of men in sin, 
Tho' doubt and error cast their blighting shades 
Lo! here and there Truth's light comes breaking in. 

Falsehood and wrong may flourish for awhile, 
Eternal Truth and Right forever stand. 
Like beacon lights along some rocky shore. 
To warn sea pilots of the wreck-strown strand. 
I've witnessed much so subUme, grand and good. 
It stirred my soul; but the sublimest sight 
'S to see a good man dare to stand alone. 
Despised, and scorned, because he stands for right. 

Aye, such a one I knew, a southern man, 
Taught from his childhood no man had a right. 
To membership in Man's great Brotherhood, 
With rights full equal, save his face were white. 

3y 



Reared in Kentucky 'mong his father's slaves, 
With good Scotch-Irish coursing thro' his veins, 
With just enough of sturdy Enghsh mixed. 
To give agressive, strong, resourceful brains. 

With tender heart, religious nature strong. 
With firm convictions all men should be free, 
To make of self all that is possible. 
Such was Kentucky's hero, John G. Fee! 
In early youth he gave his heart to God, 
And placed his feet in that straight, narrow way. 
That leads to Life Eternal and that Light, 
That shineth even to the Perfect Day. 

His soul, heroic, scorned a life of ease. 

But joined the ranks of that God-fearing few, 

Who seek for Truth, content with nothing less, 

And in God's grace, and knowledge daily grew, 

He read somewhere in the Good Book that God, 

Created of one common blood all men. 

If God made all of every shade and tongue. 

He made the Negro, he's my brother, then. 

Must I, because my brother, then, is black, 
Deny to him, what for myself I claim; 
Refinement, culture, bliss of happy home. 
Full civil rights, and social rights the same? 
These rights are due to every worthy man, 
Who bears his full responsibility. 
Of Public duty. Color should not count, 
In boasted times of Christian Charity! 

Is it man's color, or his character. 

That's tested in God's balances above? 

Is human hate the passport at the gate. 

Or meekness, kindness justice, faith and love? 

The Negro simply claims to be a man. 

No more no less, with man's lull rights implied. 

God-given rights that bondage could not kill, 

Nor will he aught with less be satisfied! 

This good man saw the Negro's claim was just 
And straight became his champion at the bar, 

46 



Public Opinion, drawing to himself. 

Sharp criticism, near, and from afar. 

But soon he found, what all wise men have found; 

That words, mere words will never aught avail. 

Unless supported by some worthy deed. 

The bravest words must soon ignobly fail! 

Ye Negro Leaders! learn a lesson here, 
Whose eloquence so charms the listening crowd, 
Facts setting forth with wit and logic sound, 
While answering plaudits, echo long and loud, 
The man who something practical can do. 
For the advancement of the human race, 
To lesson pain, and happiness increase. 
In human hearts will find a lasting place. 

Our Christian hero, with unshaken faith. 

In God's great love and simple justice saw. 

That some men up and some forever down, 

Illogical, contrary to God's law! 

For lo! the treble curse that bhghts the land. 

Is ignorance, and selfishness, and sin, 

All evils that afflict the human race. 

Traced back, we find, in that foul source begin! 

His duty clear, he straight forsaking all, 

Home, parents, friends, and childhood's happy scenes, 

And started out to preach impartial love. 

Trusting in God for guidance and for means. 

Like some frail bark that leaves the peaceful shore, 

And e'er her rigging drops from sight of land. 

The rising storms arouse the threatening roar. 

Of angry waves that dash on every hand. 

So rose mob-'violence round the martyr. Fee, 
And filled his strongest, bravest friends with fear. 
But Providence provided some escape, 
When personal harm and death itself seemed near! 
But threats of mobs, nor sting of social scorn, 
Nor the base failures of the cringing law, 
Swerved him a hair-breadth to the right nor left. 
Whenever he, his duty clearly saw! 

41 



By Duty led to yonder dreary spot, 
Where rugged hills and quaggy low-lands meet, 
A tangled thicket, full of stagnant pools, 
For owls, and bats, and frogs, a safe retreat. 
There built a church and next a village school. 
To which he gave the fitting name Berea, — 
A Christian College in the reach of all. 
Was started there upon its great career. 

For forty years it placed in reach of all. 
Christian instruction, turning none away. 
Who sought for knowledge, culture, higher life. 
The Cause of Christ promoting day by day, 
How many youths, Berea, have reached success, 
Their parts well acting in society, 
Who trodden down by ruthless power of Fate, 
Inspired to rise to honor and fame by thee? 

Thy work was so beneficent and kind, 
That Charity outstretched her generous hand, 
To aid thy cause. And students white and black, 
Flocked to thy halls from all parts of the land. 
The mountains sent her sons and daughters down; 
And sturdy youth came from the cultured North; 
And youths and maidens "carved in ebony," 
Swarmed to thy halls and proved an average worth. 

And to Kentucky's honor be it said, 
For thirty years she scorned to lay a straw. 
To check thy progress, or embarass thee. 
By threat of base coercion, or by law! 
And why she then, so quickly grew alarmed. 
So frightened at the "social boogerboo," 
Has puzzled me for, lo, these many days. 
And doubtless, it has puzzled others too! 

Much has been said and much more strong believed, 
Of plots, intrigues, and base, ignoble schemes, 
Laid hatched, and brooded in those sacred halls. 
To rob the Negro of his fondest dreams. 
What e'er of truth, or falsehood of this charge, 
Brought by both races, justly both complain, ' 



One thing I know, the blacks were forced to go, 
The whites, protesting, kindly bade remain. 

Berea School-men, pleading innocence, 
Say, why such haste to hurry plans along? 
E'er that High Court the Day-law could decide 
Your "jim crow" plans endorsed the Negro's wrong. 
Almost three centuries this kindly race, 
Thru hardships and thru troubles too, untold 
Has come, rough ore thru hardship's furnace heat, 
To shine forth yet, the Nation's purest gold! 

Farewell Berea! The Negro looks to thee 

For championship of equal rights no more, 

Upon thy new found creed, the martyr. Fee, 

Looks down, and weeps, from yonder better shore. 

So long as in the Negro's feeling breast. 

There beats a heart of love and loyalty. 

Will Fee's great name, with Garrison's, Phihps', Stowe's. 

Be ever held in grateful memory! 



®I{e Pessimist 

"What's gwine to come o' dis Negro race?" 
Said Uncle Eben, with troubled face. 
Seated beneath a cherry tree, 
"Hunting ground" of the honey bee. 
Turning swift while the days are warm. 
To shield itself against the winter's storm. 

"I wonder's some time lookin' roun,' 

'Ef dis 'ere race ain't losin' groun.' 

'Pears we's learnin' awful slow, 

De berry t'ings dat we ough' ter kno." 

"De fust mistake we made soon es we's free. 

Mistook de meanin' of liberty; 

Thought dat de word meant do as you please, 
Wo'k when you has to, take yo' ease. 
To wo'k an' to sabe was a wicked t'ing: 
Hab' big meetin,' shout an' sing, 

43 



Sarven de Lord in de light of day, 
Soon's it's da'k th'o 'ligion away!" 
" 'Nother mistake made e'b'n now, 
'Stead o' showin' our young uns how, 
To stir lak we did, let 'em do 
Anyway, dey want to; Ain't dat true?" 
"Daughter's playin' 'rag-time,' son's playing' cyards; 
Mammy's in de wash tub, in de back yards; 

Daughter off at college, dressed to kill, 
Mammy in de washtub payin' de bill; 
Son he's a cigarette-smokin'-dude, 
or man furnishin' de clothes an' food!" 
"De oF folks struglin' to pay for Ian', 
De young fo'ks puttin' on, actin' gran'; 

or fo'ks dies, fust thing yo' knows, 
Back in de white man's bans it goes!" 
"So I wonders sometime, lookin' roun', 
Ef dis 'ere race ain't losin' groun'. 
'Pears we's learnin' awful slow, 
De berry t'ings dat we ough' to know! 



Dis ol' worl' am very funny, 

Ef hit sees a feller down, 
Strugghn' in de sea, misfortune, 

Hit des Stan' an' let 'im drown. 
But when hit sees he's determined, 

Dat success he's gwine ter win, 
Ev'y feller wants ter he'p 'im 

Win de race he's runnin' in. 

Ef a feller's po' an' needy, 

Hit des he'ps ter keep 'im po'. 
Ef he's rich and independent. 

Hit tries ha'd ter he'p 'im mo'. 
Ef he's headed fer perdition, 

Kidin' sin's toboggin' slide 
Each one push 'im as 'e passes, 

So dat he may faster ride. 

44 



Ef 'e treads de path of virtue, 

Leadin' straight ter honor's goal 
Whar de crown ob Ufe awaits 'im, 

When 'e jines de honor roll, 
Dis ol' worl' des ups an' crowns 'im. 

While de golden trumpets soun'. 
An* his pathway strew wid flowers, 

While admirers gather roun', 

So I say dis worl' am funny, 

Ef hit sees a feller down, 
Strugglin' in de sea. Misfortune, 

Hit looks on an' lets 'im drown. 
But ef hit sees he's determined, 

Dat success he's gwine ter win, 
Ev'y feller wants ter he'p 'im 

Win de race, he's runnin' in. 



^l\ntk 



"Come seben or leben!" the shooter said, 
As each young sport bent low his head. 
Counting the spots on the tumbling bones, 
To decide who now, the money owns. 

The grinning victor's name was Shack, 
Who picked up the coins but tossed one back, 
Then rubbing the dice with a blow and a shake. 
Cried, "fade me Cuffy, fob I'se yo' cake!" 

Cuffy at length fished up a dime, 
Which Shadrack won in an ace of time. 

Straight Cuffy rose with trembling lips. 
Arms hanging helpless at his hips, 
While tears rose in his dark, bright eyes. 
And to swallow a lump in vain he tries. 

"I promised mammy," the urchin said, 
(His father had for years been dead). 

45 



"I promised her dat I'd be good, 
An' wuk an' hep'er all I could 
To buy us a boss an' nice white house, 
Jes lak white folks 'n' mammy lows, 
She's gwine ter sen' me to Tuskegee, 
No tellin' whut dey'd make ob me, 
An' now maybe I'se spoiled it all!" 
And Cuffy's tears began to fall. 

Now "Shack" was a lad hard tho' you try, 
'Twas difficult to classify. 
His traits Dame Nature so concealed. 
Naught by his looks was ere revealed. 
Save by his shrewd and restless eye, — 
One saving trait he would not lie. 
Had a bulldog's grit with a smiling face, 
Had fought every urchin in the place. 

He rose, gave Cuffy a puzzled stare. 

Then quickly assuming a quizzical air 

With cap shoved back on his wooly head, 

And his hand thust deep in his pockets said: 

"A mammy's boy! a schoolin' boy! 

Cryin'! whut's dem tears fob, joy? 

I'se got no mammy I'se too tough, 

Dey spiles big boys, dey do sho' nuf! 

Dey suits fob kids age two and free. 

But not fob great big boys lak we!" 

The tears on Cuffy's cheeks meanwhile. 
Were dried by Shack's sarcastic smile, 
Resolving not to be outdone 
Good mammy knowing he had one. 
Thus: "Shack how very proud I'd be, 
To hab yo' stay all night wi'll me, 
An' see mah mammy at mah home, 
And she'd be glad to hab you come. 

You'd change yo' min' I'se purty sho' 
About boys' mammies ef yo go! 
Wy we'se got plenty dar to eat, 
An' good sof beds, mam alus treat 

46 



Mah compny nice, afo yo go, 
She cut dat milyun 'hind de do!" 

Ah, me! the thought of mellon sweet. 
The bed, and good nice things to eat. 
And "Cuffy's mammy! I'll jus sho', 
She's lak all mammies, so I'll go." 

"Is dat yo' Cuffy? whose yo' fren?" 

"Shack" mammy, "honey, come right in, 

Jes hab dat cheer dar, by de do, 

De white folks keep me busy so, 

Wafhin' 'an' i'nin' ob der close, — 

Lor, how proud white people grows! 

Cuffy, fix de fiah son, 

Cause mam wants ter git dis i'nin' done. 

'N tote some watah fom de pool. 

To put dat milyun in ter cool. 

Run erlong now an' hurry back. 

Den mam gwine ter fix you boys a snack!" 

"Shack I'se awful glad yo come, 

Cuffy's boun' so close at home, 

I doan much let 'im go down town, 

So much mischief hangin' roun', 

Robbin, steaUn, 'n' shoot'n craps, — 

Taint no fittin place foh chaps!" 

I lak yo looks foh I kin tell. 

When chillun done been brought up well. 

We need mo sprightly lads lak you 

Ter train us up race-leaders true, 

Ter take up de wuk so well begun, 

By brudder Booker Washington! 

Cuffy tole me heap 'bout you. 

Said you'd de brain an' de pluck ter do, 

Mos' eny ting you set yo hed; 

Bully foh you! he furder said, 

You'se de finest black boy in de place. 

I'se glad ter hear 'im say so case, 

Dar's a gran' an' noble wuk for you, 

'N' Cuffy 'n' mo sich boys ter do." 

47 



Shack sat leaning against the wall: 
Well, well, this mammy does beat all! 
"Has sich confidence in me, 
Sich kin' words an' sympathy, 
Ef 'twant foh dat Cuffy's eye, 
I'd des steal er chance an' cry!" 
"Yes son, whut we po black folks need, 
Is true an' upright men ter lead." 

"Now Cuffy's good, but weak, will bend. 
I'se glad foh sho dat you'se his fren' 
I know you'se agwine ter Tuskegee, 
I hopes you 'n' him '11 roommates be 
I want you ter keep 'im in de right, 
Doan let 'im shoot dem craps an' fight!" 

"Now honey, wont you promise me 
You'se a gwine wid Cuffy ter Tuskegee, 
Dat you'll hep Cuffy ter be goodV 
Shack simply nodded that he would. 
He weak and trembling tried to rise, 
The teardrop swelhng in his eyes. 
For fear they'd start, he dared not speak, 
Lo! this strange mammy kissed his cheek! 
"God bless you chile I knowd you would 
God help you to make dat promise good!" 

Shack felt so humbled by the spell. 
Thrown round him by this dame so well, 
Made effort vain to sneer and scoff 
In last attempt to cast it off: 

"School lak dat ma'am cos' a heep 
I'se feard we'll fine it not so cheap" 
"No honey you is wrong dar sho 
Dat school was built some years ago, 
To help prepar de cullud race, 
Foh de worl's great wuk an' a hi'ah place, 
In de 'ligious, social, business world. 
Our bannah plant at de front unfurled!" 

"Why honey, doan de scripter say, 
Dat Ethiopia's gwine ter sway, 

48 



Truth shining scepter o'er de Ian', 
Wif her outstretched and mighty hand? 
Dat why dat school's in de reach ob all, 
De rich an' po' and de ^reat an' small!" 

The supper finished, the prayers were said 

And the little boys soon were snug in bed, 

Cuffy soon was sleeping sound, 

But poor bad Shack, no sleep he found! 

'Twas Shack with himself in terrible strife 

And he conquered at last for a better life. 

And he resolved that from that night. 

To never more shoot dice; and "Right" 

Should from that night his motto be. 

And to go with Cuffy to Tuskegee. 

He rose next morn at the break of day 

And with eyes closed tight threw his dice away. 

He gave back the money from Cuffy won. 

And declared himself with gambling done. 

Today he's a rising architect, 
Fast winning a name and the world's respect. 
Once almost lost, on a cold world thrown 
But saved by one act of kindness shown! 



He was a deacon, strict, dev^out, 

Who for that office seemed cut out, 

With his sHck, bald pate and goated chin, 

And his g^reat contempt for the smallest sin. 

He lived on a Southern Georg-ia farm; 

It was Spring- at last, and the sun shone warm, 

As he, smiling-, burst throvigh the rifted cloud, 

The storm departing-, muttering- loud, 

''I believe we're done for a while with rain, 

And I aint sorry nary grain," 

The deacon said to his pious wife, 

^Vho, like himself, lived a busy life. 

'Twas the deacon's custom to go to town. 

Prompt as each Saturdaj^ rolled around, 

To'carry a load of market stuff, 

To change for groceries, plug- and snutf. 

49 



To mix with the crowd and learn the news, 

And occasionallj^ to sw^ap his views 

For a better set, on the church and State, 

Oft times returning home quite hite. 

While plowing- alon<>-, the sun .o-re\v hot, 

And the deacon thou.uiit of a better spot— 

Tlie moss3' old bucket, the cool, deep well, 

"I'll hitch Bob Toombs, and I'll rest a spell. 

So on the porch in an eas}^ chair, 

The deacon sat, w4th an anxious air 

Ui)on his face, while looking- down 

The long, red highwa}^ toward town. 

"I w^anted to go to town toda^^ 

But wife, she thinks I'd better staj^ 

And plow the corn, we're so behind 

With work, and liesides tw^ont hurt to mind 

Your wives sometimes. Thej' like to boss, 

And are so whimsical and cross 

Whene'er the}" can't get things to run. 

Just as the3'd like to have 'em done!" 

He filled his pipe, and with a sigh, 

Lit it with a match scratched on his thigh. 

While the fragrant smoke in columns rolled 

Like incense up in the daj'S of old. 

Then suddenly there came a sound. 

Of hoofs and wheels, and looking- down 

The long- red road, he saw a shay, 

Drawn by a decent looking- bay. 

And in the shaj' two gentlemen sat, 

Each in his Sundaj^ clothes and hat; 

Come jogging along at a lively rate, 

And halting- the rig- at the deacon's gate. 

"Light, gentlemen, light," the decon said. 

Then placing his straw hat on his head. 

He met them half wa}'^ dow n the walk. 

And led them back in a pleasant talk. 

"Well brother Dismukes, how do ye dor 

I think it's reall}^ kind in 30U 

To visit us, when we aint been 

To see jour folk since you moved in 

"Our neighborhood, but then j^ou know 

How women folks are; they can't go 

A-calling out in public view, 

Unless they've got on something new. 

"Besides the creek has been uji so. 

That m^' old ' Oman's feard to go 

Across it, for each time, she said. 

She takes a swimmin' in the head. 

50 



''And this j^oung- brother wlio is he? 
Oh 3'es, its brother Shitter}^" 
He seated his guests, and hurried around, 
To where his wife was boihng do\vn, 
A pot of soap, and speaking- low, 
Sug-g-ested that she'd better g-o, 
And g-et some dinner, quick, v.hile he 
Would entertain the conipan3\ 
She muttered something- about the way 
Some folks could loaf on a work}' day, 
With times so hard, and a backward spring- 
She couldn't understand the thing*! 
Well, he talked with his guests on temporal thing-s, 
Then soaring- aloft on more pious wing's. 
He reviewed the church, its surrounding- whole, 
And his deep concern for the sinner's soul! 
The3' e3'ed him closel}' from head to foot, 
And finall3" one this question put: 
"Sa3' deacon Jones, didn't 3'ou just sa3% 
That'3^ou'd been plowing- corn toda3'!" 
"Yes, 3'es, 3'ou see I usuall3' wait 
Till Monda3^ but the season's late, 
And when I can gfet in a da3% 
To run the plow, I must make ha3'. " 
His visitors seated b}^ his side, 
Both opened their e3'es at this quite wide. 
"But I enjo3^ good compan3' so, 
If 3"ou'll excuse me, T will go 
Where the bo3'S are fencing- and call son Jim, 
And g-ive the plo\v'ing- up to him." 
"What g-oing- to make him plow to-da3'?" 
"Yes time's too precious to fool awa3\" 
"The fact is bo3^s his ag-e and size. 
Need i:)lent3'" of air, and exercise." 
His guests were silent a moment or so. 
Then suddenly, both rose up to g'o! 
Tho' the deacon urg-ed them, the3' wouldn't sta}', 
But hooked up their rig- and drove awa\' ! 

Mt. Pisgah's church da3" opened clear. 

And the crowds poured in from far and near. 

On horse-back, mule-back, buck-boards, g'igs, 

Creak}^ old rock-awa3'S, two-horse rigs! 

Each one contributing- its fuH share. 

To the crowd of country folk gathered there! 

There black-dressed women with specks and sliawl.- 

Men home-spun dressed and in overalls, 

Stood round in groups, all talking- low, 

51 



All plainly grieved at the awful blow 

Which late had fallen swift on one 

Of Pisgah's pillars; one who'd done 

So much to make her a tower of streng^th, 

Throughout South Georgia's breath and length 

The sexton scarce had tolled the bell 

For eleven A. M. when the g"avel fell 

For the business session. A song was sung-; 

From a hundred lusty throats it rung. 

Then brother Tompkins led in i^ra3-er, 

Responses rising here and there. 

A song. Then orders of the day, 

Were called for; and without dela}, 

Old deacon Simpkins from his pew, 

When call was made for business new, 

Rose up at once, addressed the chair, 

Mid deathlj^ silence everywhere; 

' 'Brother Moderator, I regret to sa}-, 

That I have a charge to make to-daj', 

Ag-ainst a brother deacon here, 

Who's g-one in and out for fortj' 3 ear, 

Before this flock, and always stood. 

High in his church and neighborhood. 

Sir, on last Sunday deacon Jones, 

In the sound of church-bells solemn tones, 

Instead of fasting and humble pra^'er. 

As becomes g-ood deacons everywhere, 

"Not only was plowing-, but made his boy 

Take turns with him; thus to destro}^ 

What g"ood intentions that the lad. 

Through religious convictions, maj^ have had. 

The reason I know that he did plow. 

He told two brethren present now." 

Dismukes and Slatterj^ from their pew. 

Declared that the statements made were true. 

**I move 3^ou agin 'im we prefer 

A charg-e of Sabbath breaking, sir!" 

'Twas seconded. "Are there remarks?" 

With e3^es ablaze, and flashing sparks, 

Old Deacon Jones sprang-, to his feet, 

His tingling blood at fever heat. 

And declared the charge was most absurb, 

And the basest slander he ever heard. 

Then spoke the pastor: "Tell us pra3^ 

What did 3011 do on last Lord's da3^?" 

"IvOrd's day it rained. I sta3'ed at home 

And read my Bible, sir, and some 

"Who ought to have done the same, sir, they 



Were plottinj^- how to slander me." 
''What did 3^011 do on Saturday then!" 
"I plowed ni}' co'n, and these same men 
Will witness to the truth, I hope, 
That my good wife was boilin' soap." 
"Well Monday then, what did 30U do?" 
''Why the da}^ was clear, and the sky was blue," — 
"There deacon, stop! There's where j^ou're wrong-. 
For Monda}^ it rained hard all daj^ long-! 
While last Lord's day was bright and fair, 
With the spring- birds singing everj^where. 
"I thoug^ht there must be some mistake, 
And we'll drop it now, for the church's sake." 
A pause, and deacon Jones arose 
And asked the pardon of all those 
Whom he had unjustl}^ criticized; 
And a sob escaped as he wiped his e3^es. 



Whar is now, dem good ol' preachers, 
Bo'n way back in slabery days, 
Wid dey plain ol' fashion dressin', 
An' dey plain ol' fashion ways? 
Wid dey heart-felt ligious greetin', 
Dey unfailin' hope and cheer, 
Dey upliftin' sense ob duty, 
Make dey ol' time memory deah. 

I kin heah dem plaintive voices, 
Pleadin' wif de muse ob song, 
Stirrin' up de soul's emotions, 
As dey sing so sweet an' strong. 
An' dey sha'ps 'n' flats 'n' time beats, 
Can't be beat in our time. 
An' de wo'ds was full ob meanin', 
Chanted th'u de perfick ryme. 

How dey cheered de meek an' lowly! 
Any one distressed or greved, 
Were consoled wif glowin' promise. 
An' dey heart-aches were relieved. 

53 



Were dar any sick, afflicted, 
Dem good men, were sure to call, 
Sing a hymn, den gently kneelin'. 
Pray for invalid an' all! 

Dey want blessed wid college trainin', 
How could dey be? Dey wa'nt free. 
Dey knowed nothin' bout dis learnin', 
An' dis here theology. 
But dey rich immagination, 
And dey earnest, rousin' style. 
Stirred wid in de hearts ob people 
Fust a tear an' nex' a smile. 

I believe in learned preachers, 
Ef dey learnin's mixed wid grace. 
Either one wid out de other, 
In de pulpit's out ob place. 
When de grace of God, an' learnin', 
Bof wid in a man combine. 
He becomes a moughty power, 
To advance de cause devine! 




54 



